Review
24 Mar 2015
I've had one of these for about 7 years now; the original battery lasted 5 years before needing to be replaced. I don't have a problematic power supply but over that time there have been ...
more...

Review
24 Sep 2013
I bought one of these to keep my system safe, and for the amount of output its has, only 4 out of 8 of them have back up power but it has a master socket where you should put your main de...
more...

What is a UPS Power Supply?

An Uninterruptable Power Supply or UPS is a reliable and efficient way of keeping your system running in the event of a power cut. It can be compared to a large battery that keeps power flowing to your devices, servers, network equipment, and any peripherals.

An uninterruptable power supply is essential for anyone who needs a backup to their system to avoid loss of work or damage due to a power outage. Discover the full range of UPS power supply units available at Overclockers UK today, and ensure your system stays online.

Why do You Need a UPS Power Supply?

Although it might seem obvious, it’s useful to expand on how UPS power works and what advantages it brings. UPS power supplies are only a backup source of power. They work by providing enough time for any essential operations to be completed and the computer system safely shutdown, preventing the sudden loss of information. The amount of time available will vary depending on a number of factors including the devices connected to the UPS.

A UPS power supply should not be confused with a surge protector. Many homes and offices use surge protectors so that in the event of a lightning storm for example, the surge of electricity does not physically damage the hardware. While these are also important they will not protect your data, or provide you with extra time. In fact, most UPS power supplies also protect computers against voltage surges and spikes in the event of power fluctuation from the mains.

Choosing the Right UPS Power Supply Unit

UPS power supplies come in different wattages, denoted by their 'VA' (Voltage/Amps), for example, VA 550, 1000 and 2000. However, all units now come with their equivalent wattage noted in the specs. Depending on what type of system you’re running and what you use it for, the UPS system you choose will change. A simple home desktop setup will not require a large amount of power, whereas gamers who play on multiple devices will require a higher VA/wattage.

To find which UPS backup power unit is right for your system, it’s important to ensure that any devices or peripherals you connect to the UPS do not exceed the wattage stated. It’s also important to only connect essential devices. For example, in the event of a power outage, a router is likely to be an important device, since staying connected to the internet is often critical. However, the more devices connected to the UPS power supply, the less the overall battery life in the event of a blackout.

Types of UPS Power Systems

There are several types of UPS computer power supplies, each one serving a distinct sector. These are outlined below:

Standby: The ideal solution for personal computers. Standby UPS power supplies only go into effect when the power outage hits.

Line interactive: Most commonly used by small businesses, it features additional filtering and reduced switching transients compared to standby UPS power supplies.

Standby-ferro: This was once the most popular type of UPS in the 3-15kVA range. However, they are less common now due to instability in modern operating systems.

Double conversion on-line: Used in higher-voltage applications usually above 10kVAk, it is now considered the standard for large businesses and organisations.

Delta conversion on-line: This is the newest addition to the UPS industry. Similar to the double conversion on-line, it increases efficiency by converting power from input to output. It also produces less heat than double conversion on-line UPS.

Ask our Experts

Choosing a UPS power supply shouldn’t be difficult. That’s because if you have any questions on our range of UPS systems, or any of our other products, all you have to do is ask our experts. Simply call Overclockers UK weekdays from 8:30am - 5:30pm and Saturdays from 9:00am - 5:00pm and you’ll be put through to one of our dedicated team members. Alternatively, why not register at the Overclockers UK forum? With over 100,000 members, it’s the largest PC forum for PC enthusiasts in the UK.

Recently Viewed

Stock level indicator

Close

Pre Order

New item that you can order before we receive stock. Orders will be shipped on a first come first served basis. If an ETA is available it will be displayed on hover.

BTO

Items that are bought by us when a purchase is made, this generally is for highly expensive items, items with a very slow run rate or speciality items

In stock

The item is in stock.

Due today

The item is out of stock and expected to arrive today.

ETA: XX.XX

The item is out of stock and estimated to arrive on the date provided.

Built To Order

The Item is built to order. As you change the options, the stock status will automatically update depending on your selection.

Out of stock

The item is out of stock and estimated delivery date is not known at this time.

Our Communities

Overclockers UK is the online store for gamers and PC enthusiasts with a huge selection of items for all your needs. Why not engage with us using these platforms?